Rob Cross won the PDC World Darts Championship in 2018, beating Phil Taylor in the final, and has faced off against some of the sport’s greatest names during his career
Rob Cross has said that Michael van Gerwen is his toughest-ever opponent, even ahead of the likes of Luke Littler and Phil Taylor. Cross made headlines in 2018 when he won the World Championship less than a year into his professional career, with the final marking Phil Taylor’s last dance in the sport.
While Taylor has notched up several wins over many darting stars, and Littler boasts a strong record against the Englishman, Cross had no hesitation in snubbing them when naming the most challenging player he’s faced.
«It’s tough to evaluate. If I’d’ve said the toughest player I’ve ever played, I had one game against Phil [Taylor] and you can’t really take that,» Cross explained to Online Darts. «If I’d have played him numerous times, I’d have got a feel of what he was like and the domination he had at one point.»
Cross then reflected on his encounters with Van Gerwen, recounting how the Dutchman’s exceptional form initially thwarted his own success. «Michael, he was different gravy, I suppose, when I first burst on the scene,» he said.
«He probably stopped me from winning three or four titles that year. In my personal opinion, at the minute, he’s the best player I’ve ever played.»
He added: «At the minute, it’s Michael for me. He always found something when he needed it. He had that extra gear change when he was in trouble. I’ve not seen many players like that, including myself.»
Before Cross became world champion, Van Gerwen held a 7-1 record against him. However, reigning world champ Littler has arguably enjoyed even greater success against the 34-year-old, winning 12 of their 14 clashes, and Cross is aware that number must improve.
Speaking on the teenager’s potential to push Van Gerwen from the top of his list, Cross said: «At the same time, the young man (Littler), if he holds it down for another three or four years and keeps sort of improving then maybe it’ll be him.
«I don’t feel like I’ve played well. I think I’ve played rubbish against him and played better stuff elsewhere. That needs to change and maybe even other people have done the same.»
Cross recently pulled out of several upcoming events, and it is currently unknown whether he will return for Night 10 of Premier League Darts in Manchester on Thursday. However, the darts star – who sits in fifth place in the league – made a confident play-off prediction before taking some time away.
«I will go to the O2, even if I don’t win a Premier League night,» Cross declared. «That’s bolshy, isn’t it? But at the same time, I will win a Premier League night.
«It’ll be the first semi-final where I break, and at the minute it looks impossible, but nothing’s impossible. Keep moving forward, I’m going to win.»
